The announcement by Kongsberg Gruppen on June 30 detailed the agreement reached with Raytheon under the US Foreign Military Sales framework. A company press release distributed via its newsroom placed the value of the program at approximately $400 million for Kongsberg. NASAMS, the Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System, will provide Kuwait with advanced capabilities to counter aerial incursions. The Norwegian firm highlighted the system’s proven track record in protecting both civilian areas and key assets.
According to Kongsberg, the platform is mobile and has been developed jointly with the American defense contractor Raytheon. It offers protection against unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, cruise missiles and fixed-wing aircraft. Raytheon data shows that NASAMS has been integrated into the air defense of the US National Capital Region since 2005. The system meets NATO interoperability requirements and allows for dispersed deployment to increase survivability.
Kuwait’s acquisition of NASAMS builds on previous efforts to modernize its air defenses. The Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance reported that in 2020 Kuwait and the United States agreed on defense packages totaling more than $14 billion, including upgrades to Patriot systems. In 2022 the US approved a $3 billion deal for NASAMS-related equipment for the Gulf state. This latest contract represents a further step in reinforcing the emirate’s multi-layered protection network.
The timing of the deal coincides with increased regional tensions that have seen Kuwait activate its air defenses. CNBC reported in May 2026 that Kuwait responded to hostile missile and drone threats by deploying advanced systems. Similar incidents occurred in June as part of broader escalations involving Iranian-linked activities across the Gulf. The Kongsberg statement indicated that the new system would address a wide range of such aerial risks.
NASAMS is currently operated by 16 countries around the world according to Raytheon. In addition to the United States, users include Norway, Finland, Spain, the Netherlands, Oman, Lithuania, Indonesia, Australia, Qatar, Hungary, Ukraine, Taiwan, Denmark, Kuwait and Chile. A Kongsberg assessment found the system in production or operational use across these nations demonstrates its reliability. The widespread adoption underscores the international confidence in the Norwegian-developed technology.
The agreement reflects Kuwait’s strategy of leveraging international partnerships for defense procurement. Through the Foreign Military Sales program the deal ensures compatibility with allied systems in the region. Kongsberg said the contract further cements its position as a key supplier of air defense solutions globally. The company has supplied similar systems to multiple NATO and Gulf partners over the past two decades.
